Factors affecting the level of women's participation in agriculture in Central Serbia during a transitional phase

Alexandria Isabel Huerta, Purdue University

Abstract

Agriculture has always played an important role in the history of any country. In virtually all developing countries, agriculture is an industry of major proportions, and often the only existing industry of any consequence. Historically, women have played an important role in agriculture, taking on a wide range of activities related to food production, marketing, and processing. The role of women in agriculture and rural life has been especially important in Serbia. Due in part to its turbulent past, the population of Serbia, most especially its rural population, had to forge a new path in the country's post-conflict transition economy. Between the years of 1993 to 1999, the total number of individuals involved in agriculture or fishing in Serbia has decreased. The total percentage of women participating in this sector, however, has risen. Little is known about the role women play in the economic activities of agriculture in Serbia. The purpose of this study is to document the factors affecting the level of women's participation in agriculture in Central Serbia. This study is designed to provide new insights into the current situation of specific females involved in various aspects of agriculture in Central Serbia, and contribute to the knowledge base which is needed on women in this region. The phenomena under study utilized a qualitative methodology. Feminist critical theory and social change theory were the inquiry paradigms that support this study. The methodology used to examine the factors affecting the level of women's participation in agriculture in Central Serbia utilized a phenomenological inquiry and heuristic inquiry approach. Through the use of a formal gatekeeper, participants, both men and women, were purposively selected from a range of agricultural fields: business, production, policy, and education. Data were collected through the use of in-depth interviews, focus groups, and additional document sources. Findings from this study indicate that various economic, cultural, and political factors affect the level of women's participation in agriculture in Central Serbia.

Degree

Ph.D.

Advisors

Tormoehlen, Purdue University.

Subject Area

Womens studies

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